Eating Alone and Loving It
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service
Downsizing Doesn’t Mean Going Downhill
Are There Any Benefits of Dining Alone?
• Eat what you want when you want
• Splurge on special foods occasionally
• Eat at own pace in a nice environment
• Sit down and relax
• Play the music you like
Taking Time to Plan
• Decide what you want to eat for at least one week
• Plan to freeze and store
• Make a shopping list according to the store layout
• Shop when you are not hungry
Divide and Conquer
• Some recipes make in quantity – Eat now– Refrigerate to eat in 1-2 days– Package, label and freeze
• Other recipes can be cut in half or thirds
Plan balanced meals
• For each meal have– 1 milk
– 1 protein food
– at least 1 grain or bread
– at least 1-2 servings of fruits and vegetables
– limit the fats and sugars
Shop Smart
• Look for unit pricing
• Do your own calculations
• Which is the better buy?16 ounces
$2.40
8 ounces
$1.60
.15 per oz.
.20 per oz.
Tips on Storing Bread
• Store bread in the freeze not the refrigerator
• Thaw on the counter in a few minutes
• Thaw in the microwave on HIGH for 10 seconds
• Toast in the toaster
Vegetables and Fruits
• Buy fresh in amounts you can eat in a week
• Buy large bags of frozen vegetables
• Buy canned goods on sale
Meat, Poultry and Fish
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap
• Store in large freezer bags
• Label and date• Eat fish right away or
store on ice or in the freezer
Dairy and Eggs
• Buy in small quantities
• Keep well covered in the refrigerator
Invite Some Company
• Invite friends and family over for special meals and potlucks
• Cook together and share
To Summarize
• Eating alone can be pleasant and nutritious
• Planning makes a big difference
• Smart shopping can save you time and money
• Proper storage of food is important